lunaticsinge.com - Brazilian Cuisine Drinks

Caipirinha Cocktail - (Makes 1 serving)

Ingredients:

1 lime

1 1/2 tablespoons cane sugar or white sugar

Ice cubes

2 oz. cachaca (rum)

1. Trim the ends off the lime. Slice the lime in half lengthwise. Remove the white pith and the seeds from the lime and cut each half into 4 equal pieces.

2. Place the limes in the bottom of an old-fashioned glass. Add the sugar, and "muddle" the limes with the sugar using a pestle.

3. Add the ice cubes, slightly overfilling the glass.

4. Slowly pour the cachaca over the ice. Stir well, until the ice settles into the glass.

5. Serve with a stirring stick or straw.

Brazilian Iced Tea - (Makes 4 servings)

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons cha' mate (toasted erva-mate tea leaves)

4 cups water

2/3 cups sugar

Juice of 2 limes

1. Place the tea in a heat-proof pitcher, carafe, or jar. Bring the water to a boil. Pour the hot water over the tea and set aside to steep for 5 minutes.

2. Place the sugar and the lime juice in a blender. Strain the tea mixture and add it to the liquid in the blender. Blend well.

3. Store tea in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Serve over ice.

Strawberry Shaved Ice - (Makes 4 servings)

Ingredients:

3 cups strawberries, stems removed

1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk

Juice of 1 lime

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

4 to 6 cups crushed ice

4 strawberries, for garnish

1. Place 3 cups strawberries, condensed milk, lime juice, and vanilla in a blender and process until creamy and smooth.

2. Fill 4 glasses with crushed ice.

3. Pour strawberry mixture over the crushed ice. Garnish each glass with a strawberry, and serve immediately.

Creamy Hot Chocolate - (Makes 2 servings)

Ingredients:

2 cups milk

4 tablespoons sugar

3 tablespoons cocoa powder

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cinnamon stick

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Whipped cream

1. Place the milk, sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt in a blender, and process until smooth.

2. Pour the mixture into a small saucepan. Add the cinnamon stick and heat mixture over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until it comes to a simmer and thickens.

3. Remove from heat and discard cinnamon stick. Stir in the cream and the vanilla until smooth.

4. Serve warm, with a dollop of whipped cream.

Frozen Coconut Cocktail - (Makes 4 servings)

Ingredients:

1 (13.5 oz.) can coconut milk

1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk

3/4 cup grated fresh or frozen coconut

1 1/2 cups cachaca rum or vodka

1 cup crushed ice (optional)

1. Place all ingredients except for the ice in a blender and process until smooth.

2. Chill mixture and serve very cold, or add the ice to the blender and process until smooth.

Brazilian Limeade - (Makes 4 servings)

Ingredients:

5 Mexican limes, washed & quartered, seeds & pith removed

1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk

1/3 cup sugar

4 cups water, divided

1 cup crushed ice

Lime slices, for garnish

1. Place the lime quarters in a blender with the condensed milk, sugar, and 1 cup water.

2. Blend until smooth. Add remaining water and ice and blend until smooth.

3. Strain mixture into glasses or a serving pitcher. Serve immediately, garnished with lime slices.